Abstract: A cushion or pad comprises a first layer of a first synthetic cellular material having a first average cell volume and a second layer of a second synthetic cellular material having a second average cell volume at least ten times greater than the first average cell volume. The first layer is attached to the second layer so that the first layer and the second layer at least partially overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The layer with the larger average cell volume is a polymeric sheet with at least a substantially planar array of fluid-filled pockets or chambers. The layer with the smaller average cell volume is a foam material with either open cells or closed cells. Further layers of fluid-filled chambers or foam material may be attached to the first two layers.

Abstract: A protective device for reducing incidence of injury from falls comprises a sheet of flexible polymeric material provided with an array of fluid filled chambers and releasable fasteners such as VELCRO strips at spaced apart locations on the sheet for enabling securing of the sheet to a person's hips. The releasable fasteners on the sheet may function to releasably fasten the sheet to a garment such as a coat or robe. The fluid filled bubbles of the sheet material are designed to maximize protection in the areas where enhanced impacts are expected to occur during falls.